When Rikki Schwartz heard the familiar expression ‘Like mother, like daughter,? her response was inspirational.
‘I thought, ‘Like Mother, Like Hell,?? she said.
Hence the title of her award-winning play, set for the stage by Clarkston Village Players this weekend.
‘After that, the play wrote itself,? Schwartz said.
The comic-drama, written in 2004, is drawn from personal experience, but is not based specifically on anyone.
‘It’s an amalgamation of several people,? she said.
She has written several short plays for youth drama at Kensington Community Church and Flint City Theater. This is her first full-length play.
Dan Gerics, who started Flint City Theater, was its first director. Dan’s brother Bob Gerics, who performed in the play, is directing its run with Clarkston Village Players.
‘It explores a mother-daughter relationship that is both maddeningly funny and touching,? Bob said.
They encouraged Schwartz to submit her play in the 2006 Community Theater Association of Michigan Annual Play writing Contest. When she won, it was a surprise.
‘I didn’t know anything about the contest, so I had forgotten about it,? she said. ‘I was honored and pleased. I don’t think I ever won a contest before.?
Since then, community theaters around the state have been requesting and staging her play.
‘So many theaters have been inquiring about it,? she said.
The Clarkston production features Schwartz in the title role, Dean Vanderkolk, Hale Wells, Dan Gerics, and Susan Craves.
‘I love my character,? said Wells, who plays Roberta, the daughter in the play. ‘I’m honored to have been asked to play this part.?
Wells has acted with the village players since 2003. This is her fifth show.
‘I needed an outlet for myself, and this was it,? she said.
Vanderkolk, 23 years with CVP, plays Roberta’s father.
‘It’s a really fun role for me,? Vanderkolk said. ‘A nice change of pace.?
Showtimes for ‘Like Mother, Like Hell? are 8 p.m. June 1-2 and 8-9; 7:30 p.m. June 7; and 2 p.m. June 3, 4861 White Lake Road.
Call 248-625-8811 or check www.ClarsktonVillagePlayers.org for ticket information.